Glandular fever

Glandular fever is most common in people aged 15 to 24 years old. Symptoms of glandular fever may include: high temperature swollen glands, which may be in the neck, head, armpits, elbows, or groin sore throat a rash, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin headache tiredness

Glandular fever should get better by itself, and you should start to feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms. Do rest drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – drink small sips frequently if it's painful to swallow take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old) Don’t do not do strenuous activities like heavy lifting or playing sports Video: Self-care for glandular fever This video explains how to treat glandular fever yourself. Media last reviewed: 1 June 2026 Media review due: 1 June 2029

Glandular fever is spread through spit, so you can get it through kissing or by sharing cups or cutlery. You're infectious for up to 7 weeks before you get symptoms, and you may be infectious for several months after being unwell. You can go back to work or school as soon as you start to feel better. To prevent glandular fever spreading: Do wash your hands regularly wash anything that may have your spit on it Don’t do not kiss others do not share cups or cutlery do not give blood

A GP may order a blood test to confirm if you have glandular fever and to rule out other illnesses, like tonsillitis . The blood test will test for the Epstein-Barr virus, which usually causes glandular fever. The GP will not give you antibiotics. Glandular fever is caused by a virus so antibiotics will not work.

Most people get better with no problems. But sometimes glandular fever may lead to other problems like: liver conditions, such as hepatitis heart problems, such as inflammation of the heart kidney problems blood conditions, such as low levels of blood cells called platelets (thrombocytopenia) or sepsis neurological conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or Bell's palsy a ruptured (burst) spleen long-term tiredness (chronic fatigue) which may last for several months